Tarot cards originated in 15th century Italy as a card game called Tarocchi. Over the centuries, the cards took on divinatory meanings and became associated with occult and esoteric practices. Today, tarot cards are most commonly used for divination and introspection.
The traditional tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards representing archetypal images and major life lessons or forces. Cards like The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, and The World are some examples. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards in four suits – Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles. This part of the deck is similar to a normal playing card deck in that each suit has numbered cards from Ace to 10 and four court cards – the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
In a tarot card reading, the querent (person asking the question) thinks about their question while shuffling or letting the cards be shuffled by the reader. The reader then lays out the cards in a predetermined pattern called a tarot card spread. Each position in the spread has a meaning, and the reader interprets the cards that fall in those positions in relation to the question asked. Some common tarot spreads are the three-card spread, the Celtic Cross spread and the Tree of Life spread.
There are many theories about the origins of tarot cards and their divinatory meanings. Some believe the cards contain inherent spiritual forces or energies that the reader is able to tap into. Others see tarot as a psychological tool that allows the reader to access their intuition and insights into the human psyche. From a Christian perspective, most believers view tarot cards as spiritually dangerous and associated with the occult. The Bible speaks against all forms of witchcraft, spiritism and divination in passages like Deuteronomy 18:9-13, Leviticus 19:31 and Galatians 5:19-21.
While tarot cards may seem mystical and intriguing, Christians believe nothing good comes from dabbling in the occult and demonic realms, even if done innocently “for fun” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). The spirit world is very real, and tarot cards can open doors to spiritual oppression, deception and even possession (1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 11:14). The Bible makes it clear that Christians are to avoid any practice that involves contacting the dead or spirit entities (Leviticus 20:27).
Instead of looking to outside sources for guidance and revelation, Christians are called to seek God’s will through prayer, studying the Scriptures and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 8:14, Hebrews 4:12). God promises wisdom to those who ask in faith (James 1:5). He also sends the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13).
Rather than trust in “chance” card pulls, believers have the sure word of prophecy found in Scripture (2 Peter 1:19). Instead of vague and symbols open to personal interpretation, Christians rely on the clear teachings of the Bible for direction, reproof and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). While tarot offers only speculation, God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
In summary, tarot cards may seem innocuous, but they have deep roots in the occult and spiritism which the Bible forbids. The true and living God tells us to avoid all pagan customs and practices (Jeremiah 10:2). As believers, we walk by faith not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). The Holy Spirit leads us into truth, not astrology or card reading (John 14:17). Christians find divine guidance not in some cold impersonal cards but through prayer, God’s Word and the still small voice of the Spirit (1 Kings 19:12).
God created humanity with a deep need for purpose and spiritual connection. But tarot is a cheap counterfeit that distracts people from finding true meaning and intimacy with their Creator. Instead of wasting time and resources on pseudosciences, Christians point people to the Lord Jesus Christ – the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). In Christ alone we find our identity, security and destiny (Colossians 2:8-10). Why settle for mystical hocus pocus when you can know the power of the Living God?
Tarot cards may tap into real spiritual forces, but they are not from the True and Living God. The Lord explicitly forbids all forms of witchcraft, spiritism and pagan practices that aim to “read the future” outside of His will and revelation (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). But for those who fear God, His perfect love casts out all fear of the unknown (1 John 4:18). Christians can boldly trust an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving Father to order their steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). They have no need to dabble with darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
In an uncertain world, tarot offers counterfeit control and insight. But believers have the real thing – an eternal God who holds the universe in His hands (Isaiah 40:12). He is the Alpha and Omega who declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). No card reading or astrological chart can compare to the wisdom and security we have in Christ (Colossians 2:3). He is the Wonderful Counselor whose plans cannot be thwarted (Isaiah 9:6). When believers seek His Kingdom first, all that they need is added unto them (Matthew 6:33).
Rather than trust in pseudo-spirituality, Christians pray to the all-knowing, eternal God who speaks truth. Instead of groping in darkness, believers walk in the glorious light and freedom of Christ (John 8:12, Galatians 5:1). His sheep know His voice and follow Him alone (John 10:27). The peace and direction tarot falsely promises is found only in the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the flock (John 10:11). A relationship with the Living God is the only thing that can satisfy the deep spiritual longings of the human heart.
In conclusion, tarot cards may seem intriguing, but for the Christian they are spiritually dangerous and incompatible with a life of faith. The Bible expressly forbids all forms of witchcraft, spiritism, and pagan practices like divination. The true God asks His people to trust in His perfect will and wisdom, not manmade rituals or objects. While the human heart seeks control and insight through pseudo-spiritual means, believers find their security and purpose in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He alone holds the future, and His love casts out all fear. Christians must cling to the Savior, not superstitions.
